Casualties unknown

1990-08-27: Air Tractor AT-401 (N7318C) — Bernie C. Parker — Jacksonville, AR

Jacksonville, AR, US

On August 27, 1990, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N7318C) operated by Bernie C. Parker was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control after a loss of engine power during takeoff, despite no mechanical anomalies being found with the engine. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a sudden loss of engine power during takeoff with a full tank of chemicals, forcing an emergency landing in a cultivated field where the aircraft nosed over.

What happened

The accident occurred during daylight hours while the aircraft was conducting a takeoff operation. The pilot had loaded a full tank of chemicals prior to departure. Shortly after initiating the takeoff roll, the pilot reported an unexpected loss of engine power. Unable to maintain altitude or continue the initial climb, the pilot made the decision to execute an emergency landing straight ahead.

The aircraft touched down in a cultivated field adjacent to the runway. During the landing roll, the landing gear sank into the soft ground, causing the nose to drop and the airplane to come to rest in an inverted position.

The investigation

Following the accident, investigators examined the engine for any mechanical anomalies that could explain the power loss. No defects or irregularities were found during the post-accident inspection. To further verify the engine's condition, a successful test run was conducted, confirming that the engine operated normally after recovery.

Findings

The investigation revealed no mechanical failure of the engine. The primary factor leading to the accident was the loss of engine power during the critical phase of flight, which necessitated an off-airport landing. The terrain and ground conditions contributed to the severity of the damage by causing the landing gear to collapse.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain control after a loss of engine power during takeoff, despite no mechanical anomalies being found with the engine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23994. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.